11/10/2025
It’s been about a month since Liberty Festival and I almost posted these pictures with a simple caption. But this wasn’t a simple experience and I think more people have similar experiences and need encouragement in it. So happy reading:
It was a whirlwind of a weekend- with a lot of ups and downs - but so much goodness came of it.
Scout’s showing experience started out decent during paid warmups and then the longer we were at the show the more tension, confusion, and stress Scout started exhibiting. After feeling an unfamiliar level of stress in him I had to make a choice.
1 - I could push through and hope for the best and not change much. 2 - scratch classes because he was having trouble handling it all and remaining focused. Or 3 - breathe, put in extra time and intentionality and help Scout rise to what was in front of him.
I’m very grateful to have people around me to help me choose option 3.
Option 3 consisted of working through those issues and helping him understand what was being asked of him and helping him relax and settle in a very chaotic environment. I could have blamed the environment for how he was handling but in reality we need to help our horses rise to the occasion and learn to thrive in high pressure environments. They are capable. And we are responsible.
Scout experienced some incredible growth throughout the weekend with consistency and putting in late night sessions, extra coaching and intentionality to help him.
And yet, I’ll be honest there were times that weekend that felt like real failure. Like I was letting my horse, my friends, my family, my clients, my coaches down.
However, I think failure is apart of life, and it’s what you do with it. So I’m choosing to fail forward. Notice what’s working what’s not, and continue to press into the messy middle of horse training.
After all that, I’m truly very proud of how he carried himself in the championship freestyle Sunday morning. He was present, engaged, responsive, settled and connected throughout the whole freestyle.
Though I’m very proud of him in this and want to fully recognize his achievements, it wasn’t about the show that weekend- it’s about the show that will happen next year and 5 years from now.
I choose to fail forward.
Take every opportunity to build the horse you want 5 years from now.
This show wasn’t easy but it was worth it. And I’d do it all again.
Thank you Luke Gingerich Horsemanship for the coaching and support. Thank you to my family and dean for keeping the ponies at home alive and well, and my incredible props crew-
Jenny Whetsel Hopperton and Maddie, Lila, Molly and ! And to all those that did random jobs for me so I could focus, thank you. I truly have the best people around surprising me with a clean stall, coffee, and last minute fixing props for me!
📸 D Studios
